Author Lindsay Currie Inspires Fourth and Fifth-Graders During Thrilling but Chilling Virtual Visit
Popular children’s author Lindsay Currie is known for writing spooky mysteries and recently published her latest book on September 14 titled, “What Lives In The Woods.” It is an unsettling ghost story about a girl living in a run-down creepy mansion who discovers that something in the woods is after her.
On October 15, she hosted a virtual visit with Wescott and Willowbrook School fourth and fifth-graders. She shared a PowerPoint presentation that highlighted the different stages of her writing, including intriguing and a little bit creepy behind-the-scenes photos of her research. She discussed in detail the importance of revision, or the editing phase of writing, adding that she spends most of her time revising her work.
"The revision section always elicits a reaction because students are able to see firsthand in her photo on the PowerPoint, just how much editing authors do! The kids also loved her ‘research’ photos of cemeteries and old mansions because they are spooky,” said Wescott’s Library Media Specialist Margaret Janavicius.
A Chicago resident, Ms. Currie relied on local and one out-of-town city for inspiration of her latest book: Lincoln Park, the Graceland Cemetery, and Saugatuck, Michigan.
During a visit to Saugatuck, her natural curiosity led her to discover a "haunted" mansion, which led her to write “What Lives In the Woods.” She was told that “weird stuff happened in this old mansion," where lights inadvertently clicked on and off, and a particular rug is regularly found "moved" to different parts of the house.
She reminded students (could or would-be writers) to stay curious and never stop asking questions, adding that research does not have to be dull, especially with all of the online tools available.
"When it comes to writing, it’s important to write about what interests you, and read a lot! Do not be afraid of making mistakes, because mistakes have made me a better writer. I learn from them and leave the negative feelings behind. It’s also very important to have good role models,” Ms. Currie said.
"Thank you to author Lindsay Currie @lindsayncurrie for reminding our Wescott and Willowbrook fourth and fifth-graders to have a growth mindset when it comes to writing!” Ms. Janavicius said.
For more information about Ms. Currie and/or to order her books go to https://www.lindsaycurrie.com
